Dear Alan,I recently visited my dentist and discovered that my gums are in very bad shape. My dentist told me that my gingivitis is very advanced and I notice that every time I floss my gums bleed. My dentist wants to put me on antibiotics for several months, but I would like to try a more natural approach. Antibiotics make me sick to my stomach. Any suggestions?
-- Bleeding Badly, Lubbock, TX
Dear Bleeding Badly,
The poor condition of your gums is actually quite common and not something that you necessarily have to treat with antibiotics. Gums can bleed for two reasons:
1. Receding from teeth: if your gums are receding away from your teeth then they are easily irritated when you brush or floss. The extra space between the gum and the teeth also allows bacteria to collect, which causes further irritation and bleeding.
2. If you there is bacteria between your gum line and your teeth, your gums tend to become inflamed, which causes bleeding and further irritation.
In either case, it is possible to restore your gum health with some natural products rather than using antibiotics. In fact, some people who have pockets in their gums measuring 7 and 8 (a measurement used by dentists) have used these products to reduce those pockets to size 2. Here are some natural approaches that help with bleeding gums:
- CoQ10 (or Coenzyme Q10): this natural supplement helps rebuild both gum and heart tissue, as well as rejuvenate the metabolic function for every cell in the body. Our bodies need more CoQ10 as we get older, and especially if we suffer from gum or heart conditions.
- Acidophilus: this probiotic is a naturally-occurring bacteria in our intestines and has a similar action to antibiotics without the side-effects. Taking acidophilus with CoQ10 can help restore gum health and prevent bacterial growth between the gums and teeth.
- Ipsab: This Edgar Cayce product helps contract the gums, removes the bacteria and neutralizes the acids that erode enamel. Ingredients include salt, soda, prickly ash bark, and peppermint.
In addition to using these products, avoid brushing with toothbrushes that have stiff bristles, as this can further inflamed irritated gums. You might also try using a water pick appliance to remove particles of food between the gums and teeth after every meal. Finally, avoid brushing your teeth directly after eating anything acidic, as this tends to wear the enamel off your teeth. If you eat or drink something acidic, wait 30 minutes and then brush. Be patient with these natural approaches. It may take up to 3 months to notice a difference, but at least with a natural approach you are boosting rather than suppressing your body's natural immune response.
Photo Credit: Teeth
